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Bach Flower Therapy: Theory and Practice

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The first contemporary study of Bach's techniques by one of Europe's leading practitioners.

More than 50 years ago, English physician Dr. Edward Bach grew disenchanted with orthodox medicine as he came to understand that many physical complaints have a strong psychosomatic element. Over many years of study, he discovered 38 flower remedies that act on the disharmony within the patient and pave the way toward recovery. Bach Flower Therapy describes the remedies in such a way that patients taking them will gain deeper insight into the remedies underlying psychological concepts, thereby enhancing the potential for self-healing.

Intended for practitioners and lay readers alike, the book includes lists of symptoms to facilitate diagnosis.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

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About the author

Mechthild Scheffer

60 books10 followers
Mechthild Scheffer has been active in the field of Bach Flower Therapy since 1978. She introduced Bach’s work into German-speaking countries in 1981 with her first book and has represented the English Bach Centre in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She is the founder of the Institutes for Bach Flower Therapy Research and Education in Hamburg, Vienna, and Zurich and is the author of many of the most authoritative books on the subject, including The Encyclopedia of Bach Flower Therapy. She lives in Hamburg, Germany.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Luminea.
486 reviews18 followers
October 7, 2014
This book was an excellent guide to the 38 Bach flower remedies. Not only does the author provide detailed symptoms of imbalance for each remedy to help identify whether or not one needs it, she also suggests other supportive actions one can take to assist in transforming the condition and restoring balance (such as meditating, getting a change of scenery, practicing letting go, engaging in creative activities). She also suggests several affirmations for each of the remedies that can be used when taking the remedy to compliment the new changes that are occurring. I also enjoyed the Q&A section at the end of the book where she answered a lot of questions that clarified the proper use of the flower essences and their potential effects. This is a great reference book for any flower essences practitioner.
98 reviews
October 1, 2011
This is STILL a book I refer to from time to time.I read it in 1988.It has wonderful descriptions of the flowers and their therapies.I love Flowers & Gardening.As a Medical Rep. for many years,I became interested in how certain plants work to cure illness.I like the Natural aspects of this book.Should be on your bookshelf for handy reference.
Profile Image for Linzi Day.
Author 9 books299 followers
March 23, 2020
For me, this is THE book on Bach Flower remedies. I've used it since the late 1980s. What makes it so special is that it's written in easy-to-understand language whilst still covering some very complex and intricate states.

I love the comparison between similar, but different remedies e.g Elm Vs Oak is explained as:
Elm = Work is a vocation. The state of exhaustion is temporary
Oak = Work is a duty and the exhaustion may be chronic.

I almost always dowse for my remedies so whilst I don't use that bit much myself I have found that friends and newbies to the BF Remedies comment on it as very helpful.

I also like the supportive affirmations and the nice clear bulleted list of "Symptoms due to the energy block" for each remedy.

If you only buy one book - I'd recommend this one. I have dozens and yet this is the first one I reach for when I need clarity.
Profile Image for Sami.
7 reviews
February 10, 2024
Came across this in a pub. I’m unable to see a good use for it. It doesn’t entertain and doesn’t inform – not even on the process through which people manage to come up with such hogwash. I mainly just winced.

It does, however, blame the patients who don’t improve on such “therapy” with such excuses as “their illness might have a lesson to teach which has not yet been learnt” or “they don’t really want to get better” or “it’s because they don’t believe this will help them”, as well as advocate giving alcohol to animals, so there’s that.

Maybe for lighting a fire?
Profile Image for Marianne.
708 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2022
A bit tedious, but really informative. I can't wait to start using flower essences again.
Profile Image for Missi.
535 reviews1 follower
December 17, 2023
Very detailed, very informative! A lot more info than I was expecting. This will be a handy reference book for a long time.
Profile Image for Carole.
92 reviews3 followers
December 21, 2023
I purchased this book by in the early 90s. Though I no longer use Bach flower essences, I still keep a copy of this book on my shelf as it's a valuable I may use in the future.
Profile Image for Amy.
95 reviews14 followers
November 23, 2010
I really liked how the author described the action of Bach Flowers in the first chapters of this book. I also like how you can read about each of the 38 flowers and what their key principle is and the symptoms of issues that go along with it. Very easy to read well written. A great basic resource for Bach Flowers.
Profile Image for Maggie.
792 reviews33 followers
January 17, 2011
Classic look at the Bach Flower Therapies. Helpful. It includes a detailed description of the balanced/out of balance symptoms, affirmations, a brief list of key symptoms, and supportive therapies for each flower therapy.
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,141 reviews15 followers
June 19, 2013
wasn't the book I didn't like but the theory of the Bach Flower Remedy. just wasn't something that I found I would be interested in enough to seek more info about it. Love herbalogy, homeopathy, and natural things but this one just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for kit.
386 reviews13 followers
December 23, 2008
Very good primer for this intriguing and useful practice. Index could use some assistance.
Profile Image for Kim.
14 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2013
Thees remedies work. Essential book for self-healing. The rescue remedy is used by a lot of my friends who are musicians and actors.
Profile Image for Ann.
168 reviews
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February 10, 2017
Bach Flower Therapy Theory and Practice by Mechthild Scheffer, @1988,ISBN: 0892812397, PB eBay $6.00, 12/2011
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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